10 Skincare Tips for Ramadan from a Consultant Dermatologist
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Ceryn
- Beauty expert since 2015
- Loves: glowy skin and sunkissed scents
As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, we know how important this time is for many of our customers. To help you care for your skin during fasting, we’re excited to share expert tips from Dr Zainab, a UK-trained Consultant Dermatologist at St John’s Institute of Dermatology. With her holistic, patient-centred approach and years of experience, Dr Zainab has significantly impacted dermatology.
Ramadan is a month of reflection, prayer, and self-discipline for practising Muslims, ending in the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Let’s ensure your skin feels its best during this special time!
1. How should you prep your skin for Ramadan?
To prepare your skin before Ramadan, focus on hydration and strengthening your skin barrier. Use a rich moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to deeply nourish and lock in moisture. Transition to a gentle exfoliant to enhance product absorption while minimising the risk of over-exfoliation. For dry skin, incorporate a weekly overnight mask to replenish moisture levels. Support skin hydration by drinking 2L of water and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidant benefits. These steps will help ensure your skin is healthy, hydrated, and resilient ahead of fasting.
2. What impact does fasting have on skin health?
Fasting during Ramadan can lead to skin dehydration due to reduced water intake, potentially causing skin dryness and a dull complexion. Additionally, hormonal changes during fasting may increase oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne.
3. Are there any specific skincare products you recommend to support skin hydration during fasting hours?
During Ramadan, prioritising skin hydration is essential, but it is also key to select a cleanser and moisturiser suited to your skin type and specific concerns.
Dry and Sensitive Skin
Normal to Combination Skin
Blemish-Prone Skin
4. How can disrupted sleep patterns during Ramadan affect skin?
Disrupted sleep patterns can impair the skin’s natural repair processes, leading to increased signs of ageing, such as fine lines and dullness. To mitigate these effects, use products rich in antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, to support skin health. Incorporating an effective night cream or serum can enhance the skin’s overnight rejuvenation, improving its appearance despite altered sleep schedules.
5. What adjustments should we make to our skincare routines during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, maintaining skin hydration is essential, and choosing the right moisturiser can help strengthen the skin barrier. The formulation of the moisturiser should align with your skin type: gel-based formulas are ideal for oily or combination skin to minimise clogged pores, while cream-based formulations provide deeper hydration for dry or sensitive skin. If your skin feels dry, consider minimising the use of exfoliants like acids and retinol to prevent further irritation. Protect your skin from UV damage and pollution by maintaining a daily routine with sunscreen and antioxidant serums.
6. What ingredients should we use during this period?
I would recommend opting for skincare products with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw moisture into the skin, along with emollients such as ceramides and shea butter to fortify the skin barrier if the skin continues to feel dry. A weekly overnight mask can also help strengthen the skin barrier.
7. How important is sun protection during Ramadan?
Sun protection during Ramadan is crucial to prevent skin damage from UV radiation, and I recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
8. Are there any areas of our face that we should pay particular attention to during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, it’s important to pay special attention to delicate facial areas such as the eyes and lips, as these regions can be more susceptible to dryness and irritation. I would recommend using gentle, fragrance-free skin care products to protect these sensitive areas.
9. What role does a nighttime skincare routine play during Ramadan?
A consistent night-time skincare routine during Ramadan is vital for skin recovery, as fasting can lead to dehydration and dryness. I would recommend using hydrating moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, along with gentle cleansers, to support the skin’s barrier function overnight.
10. Are there any skincare steps or products that we should avoid during Ramadan?
I would advise against introducing new, potentially irritating skincare products, such as chemical peels, exfoliants, or retinoids, as fasting can make your skin more sensitive.
If your skin feels dry, reduce or stop using toners or cleansers with acids and limit retinol use, as these can further exacerbate skin dryness and irritation.